The sad reason more Americans are happy at work

When it comes to Americans’ happiness at work, things are not completely as they seem.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, more than half of American employees report that their jobs are satisfying to them “for the first time since 2005,” according to the Conference Board, a research group.

But then it sheds light on the more bleak idea that even though people are happier at work, and some things are going positively, employees may mainly be happy for a pretty sad reason: They’ve lowered their expectations.

In recent years, American workers have weathered things like a decade of bruising job cuts — and data seems to say that people now have evolving perspectives on “what makes a job good.”

Taking all of this into account, here are five tips to reclaim your own happiness at work, no matter what’s going on.

Remember what’s worked out for you

Think about your strengths

There will always be someone who has more of what you want or who is more who you want to be, but that shouldn’t stop you from recognizing your own immense value. When insecurity gets the best of you, think about your shining moments, everything you have to offer and what you like about the work that you do.

Stop feeling like an impostor

No, you probably didn’t get your job based on luck alone. Chances are, a variety of factors helped you secure your current position— with your professional achievements among them.

Even though a large segment of American workers claim to be happier at work, everything isn’t working in their favor right now. The best way to address this is to recognize what you can control and take action by fortifying your happiness on your own terms.

Are you happy at work? Why or why not? Join the conversation on Ladders’ new Facebook Group, The Climb.